ARTICLES

When purchasing a PLL LNB customers often look to the drift to see that the LNB will stay within a certain range of the desired frequency. But what they do not allow for is the aging of the crystal and the initial offset from the desired frequency. In other words, the LNB will stay within the desired range of drift, but what happens if it is offset within that range toward one of the extremes of the desired frequency?

Under what conditions would I want Block Downconverters (BDCs) and an LNA, as opposed to LNBs. If you want to use a single antenna to cover the entire band, you can use an LNA and two (or three) wideband BDCs…

When purchasing a PLL LNB customers often look to the drift to see that the LNB will stay within a certain range of the desired frequency. But what they do not allow for is the aging of the crystal and the initial offset from the desired frequency. In other words, the LNB will stay within the desired range of drift, but what happens if it is offset within that range toward one of the extremes of the desired frequency?

With a single LNA covering the whole band, you can cover from 10.7 to 12.75 GHz with just two Orbital BDCs, 10.7~11.7 GHz and 11.7~12.75 GHz – or you can stack the output of two 500 MHz B/W polarities into one combined L band output: 950~1450 MHz and 1500~2000 MHz

Phase lock loop designs double phase noise as well as drift when they are raised to Ka frequencies. However, DRO designs maintain low phase noise while drift is eliminated through the use of an External Reference. Orbital is proud to introduce the phase locked DRO Ka external reference LNB.

You need a higher power BUC, but your modem cannot supply adequate DC…

You need a bias tee and a separate power supply. But conventional Bias Tees shunt the 10 MHz reference signal to AC ground. You could use the MT25/40 Orbital Mux/Tee, if you have a separate 10 MHz signal, but your modem only supplies 10 MHz up the cable with the L band signal. The excellent MT1 filters the L band, stopping the 10 MHz signal from passing through.

In satellite applications there are three distinct signals linking the LNB/BUC, the receiver/modem, the power supply, and the 10 MHz external reference oscillator. These signals have to move on the same wire and not interfere with each other. These signals have enormously different amplitudes, frequencies, and bandwidths.

Many of the world’s largest satellite businesses use Orbital’s Systems Interface Products to insert, extract, mux, filter, amplify, combine, divide, and switch their signals. We also build conversion systems that use our BDCs and LNBs in conjunction with SIP Products to provide integrated down-conversion systems.

The Orbital MY25/40 Mux Tee can insert or extract the 10 MHz reference signal, it can be used to insert or extract DC. It can be used as a Bias Tee, as a Mux Tee, or as a Diplexer. You can have a choice of connectors, it filters and conditions signals, and it can perform L band impedance transforms.

Redundancy is about a system surviving disaster, such as a lightning strike or failure in a complex component. Most redundant systems only switch to a backup LNB or BDC on a change in current consumption. Sometimes though, a failure in an LNB or BDC doesn’t result in a change in current consumption…

You don’t have to pay a fortune to have superb, professional quality BDCs. With an LNA that covers your satellite, simply order a custom Orbital BDC to cover the bandwidth that you need. You can specify input and output connector types, external DC input, coaxial DC input, or dual power option. Most importantly, we can customize your gain to optimize compression point and noise distribution. Just tell us your needs, and we will build a mass-custom solution in a unique, cost effective way.

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If you have low speed data, a beacon receiver, or if you need instant lock after losing and reacquiring a signal, then you need an external reference LNB or BDC and an external reference source. Even though you have a low-drift PLL LNB or BDC, it will have an initial offset, and its drift…

Well, first it should meet the higher standards of industrial as opposed to consumer use. Secondly, it should have some kind of qualification; and the the qualification of each of these LNBs is printed on each label. The unique, measured, performance test of each individual LNB is on the label. How else will you know what you are really getting?

Why BDCs?With a single LNA covering the whole band, you can cover from 10.7 to 12.75 GHz with just two Orbital BDCs, 10.7~11.7 GHz and 11.7~12.75 GHz – or you can stack the output of two 500 MHz B/W polarities into one combined L band output: 950~1450 MHz and 1500~2000 MHz

Block Downconverters are used when you want to cover the entire band with a single antenna. All you need is an LNA that covers the entire bandwidth of the satellite, then order Orbital BDC modules that cover the specific sections of the band that you need.

The most common type of system failure is the failure of a power supply. The least expensive form of redundancy is the Orbital Dual Power Tee which has all of the features of the Orbital Bias Tee plus dual DC inputs.

Phase lock loop designs double phase noise as well as drift when they are raised to Ka frequencies. However, DRO designs maintain low phase noise while drift is eliminated through the use of an External Reference. Orbital is proud to introduce the phase locked DRO Ka external reference LNB.

You need a higher power BUC, but your modem cannot supply adequate DC…

You need a bias tee and a separate power supply. But conventional Bias Tees shunt the 10 MHz reference signal to AC ground. You could use the MT25/40 Orbital Mux/Tee, if you have a separate 10 MHz signal, but your modem only supplies 10 MHz up the cable with the L band signal. The excellent MT1 filters the L band, stopping the 10 MHz signal from passing through.

Why do I need an Orbital Mux/Tee? In satellite applications there are three distinct signals linking the LNB/BUC, the receiver/modem, the power supply, and the 10 MHz external reference oscillator. These signals have to move on the same wire and not interfere with each other. These signals have enormously different amplitudes, frequencies, and bandwidths.

Routing Satellite Signals on the IFLMany of the world’s largest satellite businesses use Orbital’s Systems Interface Products to insert, extract, mux, filter, amplify, combine, divide, and switch their signals. We also build conversion systems that use our BDCs and LNBs in conjunction with SIP Products to provide integrated down-conversion systems.

The Universal Mux TeeThe Orbital MY25/40 Mux Tee can insert or extract the 10 MHz reference signal, it can be used to insert or extract DC. It can be used as a Bias Tee, as a Mux Tee, or as a Diplexer. You can have a choice of connectors, it filters and conditions signals, and it can perform L band impedance transforms.

Alarm Reporting LNBsRedundancy is about a system surviving disaster, such as a lightning strike or failure in a complex component. Most redundant systems only switch to a backup LNB or BDC on a change in current consumption. Sometimes though, a failure in an LNB or BDC doesn’t result in a change in current consumption…

Why Combiners?You use a Combiner when you want to add another service without adding another system. With a Orbital Combiner, you can add a second modem or receiver without having to add an additional system. You can use the existing antenna and cabling – a significant saving in equipment, labor, and civils costs.

C Band BDCsYou don’t have to pay a fortune to have superb, professional quality BDCs. With an LNA that covers your satellite, simply order a custom Orbital BDC to cover the bandwidth that you need. You can specify input and output connector types, external DC input, coaxial DC input, or dual power option. Most importantly, we can customize your gain to optimize compression point and noise distribution. Just tell us your needs, and we will build a mass-custom solution in a unique, cost effective way.

Explore solutions to common and uncommon frequency conversion issues

Measuring LNB output VSWR

BDC SOLUTIONS

The term BDC is commonly used to refer to the modules (which look like an LNB with the waveguide removed and replaced with a connector), and to the rack-mounted unit which might contain from one to several BDC modules. BDCs are increasingly used in outdoor units at the antenna – ODUs, and have an indoor rack mounted controller – IDUs. BDCs are commonly used when a client uses multiple BDCs and a single LNA to cover the entire band.

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 4 BDCs, 16 Modem/Receivers and a BUC, under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator.

The client needed multiple receivers/modems to cover 2 GHz of bandwidth (10.7 – 12.75 GHz). For each polarity, a wide band LNA, a highband BDC, and a lowband BDC were required. System performance required instant acquisition, high stability, and optimal BER, therefore external reference BDCs were needed. The same high quality conditions were required to be met for the uplink.

Here is a redundant horizontal/vertical polarity solution using Orbital’s Systems Interface Products to route the satellite signals. This project includes both indoor (IDU) and outdoor segments (ODU).

One for two redundant LNA’s, horizontal and vertical high/low BDCs all controlled by the same Orbital Master Oscillator and combined for output to various client devices. All of the BDCs are in weather-tight enclosures out at the dish and are linked to the IDU through the IFL cable.

Combiner Solutions

When you want to add a service without adding an entire new system, you need a Combiner. For instance, you may want to add a second modem and you try to use a standard combiner, and suddenly you have lost or seriously impaired your 10 MHz signal, here’s what to do. Perhaps you want to change from low drift PLLs to external reference LNBs and you need an Oscillator…

Orbital 2-way Combiner using 10 MHz from one of the modems and Hi Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal from one of the modems, while blocking the modem DC. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a two-way combiner in preparation for being multiplexed with the 10 MHz reference, and the new more powerful DC supply.
This is done in order to properly combine the L-Band signals, and to re-integrate the 10 MHz reference after combining. In addition, in this solution, the DC power from the modem is insufficient to power the new BUC.

Orbital 2-way Combiner using 10 MHz from one of the modems and Hi Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal from one of the modems, and modem DC to insert BUC power. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a two-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power, (filtered by the mux tees), provided by the modem.

Orbital 4-way Combiner using 10 MHz & DC from one of the modems and Standard Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal and the modem DC. The L-band signal from all of the modems is combined in a four-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power -filtered by the mux tees. Since this is a network using all F type connectors, the Orbital Mux/Tees are required to make an impedance transform for the BUC which has an N connector.

Orbital 4-way Combiner using 10 MHz & DC from one of the modems and Standard Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal and the modem’s DC. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a four-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power – filtered by the mux tees.

Orbital 2-way Combiner with 10 MHz Master Oscillator.

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a pair of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 2-way combiner. An Orbital MOS (or a POS) provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC power.

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a quartet of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 4-way combiner. An Orbital MOS provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Hi Power Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC to the high power BUC.

Using an Orbital Hybrid Coupler to combine two combine and divide – using 10 MHz from one of the modems.

The L-Band signal from both of the modems goes to the Hybrid Coupler where it is combined and split to a pair of High Power Mux/Tees. The 10 MHz reference is extracted and feeds a 10 MHz Splitter which redirects the signal to the pair of Mux/Tees. The Mux/Tees multiplex the DC power with the L-Band and 10 MHz to re-integrate the combined signal for each of the BUCs.

L-Band signals from two modems are combined and divided with an L-Band coupler. The 10 MHz reference is provided by an Orbital MOS (10 MHz Master Oscillator), and is switched by the waveguide. The signals are multiplexed together by a pair of Orbital Hi Power Tees, providing high power DC to the BUCs. The switching of the 10 MHz utilizes the mute function on the BUCs to turn one of them to full power, and leave one in standby.

Orbital 2-Way Divider – extracting 10 MHz from Modem

A Mux/Tee in reverse is used to block the DC from the modem, but extract the L-Band and 10 MHz signals. The 10 MHz is sent to an Orbital 10 MHz Splitter to provide a reference signal to a pair of Hi Power Mux Tees. The L-Band signal is routed through a two-way L-Band Divider and then sent to the pair of Mux Tees. Each Hi Power Mux/Tee multiplexes the two signals with DC Power and feeds one of a pair of BUCs.

Orbital 2-way Hybrid Coupler with 10 MHz Precision Oscillator

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a pair of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 2-way combiner. An Orbital MOS (or a POS) provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC power. The advantage of the hybrid coupler is the 30 dB of isolation between the inputs.

L-Band signals from a single modem is divided to feed two Hi Power Mux Tees, while the Orbital Master Oscillator provides a source to a 10 MHz Switch. The 10 MHz switched signal is used to enable the BUC. A pair of Orbital MT-40s multiplex the 10 MHz with the L-Band and DC power for the selected BUC.

Orbital Redundant BUC Assembly.

Orbital IDU supplies power, 10 MHz and L-Band filtering to ODU. 10 MHz and DC are extracted, split and re-inserted with minimal loss. Orbital recommends this configuration (switched 10 MHz), since running both BUCs at full power gives no statistical advantage for redundancy. It is possible that the redundant BUC will fail before the primary BUC with both BUCs running fully on. No inrush current. Instant “On” and lock.

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 3 LNBs and 3 Receivers under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator.

Customer required dual pole Ku and single pole C band LNBs with very low drift. A single Orbital Master Oscillator with a single Orbital 3 way 10 MHz splitter fed three Orbital Mux Tees to achieve synchronous down conversion. Advantages are modular design that is easily expandable and maintainable. Both 75 Ω and 50 Ω impedances can be accommodated with Orbital low loss impedance transforms.

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 5 LNBs from two antennas under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator to feed 5 separate receivers.

Five external reference LNBs all controlled by the same 10 MHz reference oscillator feeding five discrete receivers. The Orbital 10 MHz Master Oscillator has two 10 MHz outputs that each feed a 10 MHz Splitter, leaving an extra 10 MHz for another device, or usable as a test port. Sometimes you just need to lock everything up! This was useful for a client who wanted to download from one dish and uplink internationally on another – transmit section is not shown.

OSCILLATOR SOLUTIONS and 10 MHz SPLITTER

If your modem does not provide a 10 MHz reference signal, or if that signal is not adequate to your needs, the high quality Orbital TCXO Master Oscillator (such as a MOM), or an even better Orbital ovenized OCXO Precision Oscillator (such as a POP) is just the ticket. Here are some standard applications for Orbital Oscillators. There many additional applications included in the Combiner solutions that demonstrate the integrations of the Orbital Oscillators with 10 MHz Splitters and other Systems Interface Products. Orbital Oscillators can come as standalone modules, in stacks, on plates, or in a standard rack.

Using a standalone Master Oscillator (MOM or POP) provides a stable, high quality reference to phase lock any and all external reference devices in the system.

• reference signal can be split and distributed to multiple devices throughout the system
• the system is free of dependence on a single modem or power supply
• independent oscillator power supply provides immunity from ground loops, modulations, and transients
• the system architecture is now flexible, free to add additional components as needed
• exceptional quality ensures improved phase noise, bit error rate, and C to N.

Using a Master Oscillator Dual Modules (or Precision Oscillator Dual Modules) to provide a 10 MHz reference signal to a BUC, and an LNB or BDC…

In this solution the dual independent outputs of the oscillator provide precision 10 MHz reference to each Mux Tee module allowing independent DC power to each device. In a VSAT, this can be high power to a BUC, and low power to an LNB. For a dual polarity system, each of LNBs is fed by its own Mux Tee module for optimum isolation.

The modular architecture of the Orbital product line allows the assembly of these modules into a single encapsulated unit complete with rack-mounting provisions.

Using a Master Oscillator Dual Modules to provide a 10 MHz reference signal to a pair of BDCs feeding eight receivers using two four way splitters…

Once a Master Oscillator and Mux Tees have been put into place, a secure, locked, L band only signal is available for distribution to any number of receivers. The dividers can provide port to port isolation, assuring independent operation of the receivers. No contamination of the reference signal is allowed by the 92 dB isolation of the Orbital Mux Tees. The result is improved BER, lower phase noise, and increased system reliability.

Using an Orbital 10 MHz Splitter to provide 10 MHz reference signals to three BUCS using Orbital MT25 Mux Tees

Orbital Oscillator are designed to provide a high output level to allow splitting the reference signal to feed multiple devices. The passive 10 MHz splitter, (that does not contribute noise – no active devices) divides the reference signal with minimal lass, excellent VSWR, and high port to port isolation. This is important because reference devices can generate interfering signals that must not be allowed to reach other locked devices. Normal splitters do not have a high level of isolation.

SIP SOLUTIONS

Systems Interface Products

Although Combiners and Oscillators are also SIP products, we have narrowed the definition here to just include Bias Tees, Diplexers, Mux Tees, TTL Switches, Thru Tees, Dual Power Tees, etc.

Here are standard applications for each of these products. Here’s how to insert 10 MHz, insert DC, extract 10 MHz, block DC, extract DC, multiplex DC L band and 10 MHz, and perform impedance transforms while you do it.

I have a pair of modems and I need to use the 10 MHz reference from one of them and split it. I need to take the L-Band signal from both modems and combine it with the 10 MHz reference. Now I need to insert DC power for a pair of high power BUCS.